HOBOKEN -- The U.S. Soccer Foundation announced Monday that the city of Hoboken is a recipient of a 2013 Safe Places to Play Grant. According to a press statement released Monday, the city applied for the funding to pay for the turf field to be built as part of Phase 1 of construction at 1600 Park & Hoboken Cove. The $200,000 grant is one of 48 grants totaling $2.4 million announced Monday by the U.S. Soccer Foundation.

Also according to the press release: Construction recently began on Phase 1 of 1600 Park & Hoboken Cove. Phase 1 will include a multi-use field, lighting, bleachers and leaning rails, a dog run, restrooms, bike racks, and a slide hill and viewing mound. The full master plan for the park is available at www.hobokennj.org/1600park.

“With a booming population as more families choose to stay here for the long term, our community needs more open space for recreation than ever before,” said Mayor Dawn Zimmer. “We are so thankful to the U.S. Soccer Foundation for their generous support in building what will be a great field for our entire community to enjoy.”

“The U.S. Soccer Foundation is thrilled to support the City of Hoboken’s efforts to provide a safe place for children to play soccer,” said Krista Washington, marketing and communications coordinator at the U.S. Soccer Foundation. “We believe every child should have the opportunity to play the game in a safe environment that encourages positive social and physical development and we are excited to see the impact a new field will have on the youth of Hoboken!”

The second community meeting for the Elysian Park improvements will take place Febuary 27th,2013 7 to 9pm at the Hoboken Historical Museum (1301 Hudson Street) for the public to give their input on the proposed plan using the $600,000 Green Acres grant.